The day I sat down to write Aleni and Simon’s ceremony script for Married At First Sight is the day that it hit me – how am I going to write a ceremony having never met the couple?

Before I got started, I had a good, long think about Simon and Aleni. I figured the pair were pretty gutsy. After all, appearing on national television in a social experiment to find love was somewhat brave. Their mission to find love was serious.

With this in mind, they deserved the best ceremony possible to support their quest. Here it is…

Hi everyone and welcome! I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Angela Finn, and I am a civil marriage celebrant.

I am SO excited to be with you as we participate in a very special commitment between two people who seek to find happiness and love.

I imagine that everyone is feeling nervous, and that’s completely expected. Let’s be honest – besides our bride and groom – we are ALL taking a leap of faith today.

As Aleni and Simon’s celebrant, this ceremony is to affirm their intention and to support and wish them every happiness.

So, I invite everyone to take a few deep breaths, let go of any doubts, fears and expectations, and let’s enjoy this wonderful experience……

Could I invite those seated to stand as we welcome the gorgeous bride, Aleni escorted by her father.

Please be seated.

Well how good is this? Let’s give Aleni and Simon a big round of applause to show our love and support to them on this special day.

Today’s ceremony is not a legal marriage between Aleni and Simon but a commitment ceremony.

Today, this beautiful couple will be joined by their hopes, dreams and by their promises of what will be.

The vows they make this day, shall guide them into their future.

While many of us are meeting for the first time, we are united in a common purpose to support and wish Simon and Aleni every happiness, as they embark on this unique experience.

Being a part of Married At First Sight, is basically a modern-day way of meeting people.

After all, finding the right partner or spouse is different today as it was say 50 years ago, when life was a little simpler, and expectations differed.

Today, we are more discerning, and life is complex, with a whole new set of demands and expectations.

But, if there is one thing I have learnt as a Celebrant it is this – love can happen quite unexpectedly, and there is no recipe or measure for a perfect relationship or marriage.

After all, what makes a marriage thrive and survive is different for everyone.

Simon and Aleni, you have come here today with your individual personalities and histories to embark on a quest to find the love of your life.

In a few moments, you will make a commitment to each other, in the hope, that you will find someone that you can be truly happy with to share your life.

It’s a massive leap of faith. You are ready to risk who you are, for the sake of who you can be.

But, in the wise words of poet William Arthur Ward:
“…risks must be taken, because the greatest hazard in life
is to risk nothing.
The person who risks nothing,
does nothing, has nothing, is nothing”

So, congratulations Simon and Aleni for taking a risk.

In the coming days and weeks, you will experience wonderful moments together, and I suspect a few challenges too.

As you discover each other’s likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses, enjoy the experience, and be open to learn, to change and to adapt.

Remember to look upon each other’s strengths with joy, accept each other’s imperfections with understanding, and above all, have fun, laugh and enjoy the journey!

Simon and Aleni will now state their intentions

Aleni, do you come here today freely and of your own accord to commit to Simon in this union? Do you promise to focus on the positive as you learn and grow as individuals and as a couple?Aleni: I do

Simon, do you come here today freely and of your own accord to commit to Aleni in this union? Do you promise to focus on the positive as you learn and grow as individuals and as a couple?Simon: I do

Family and friends, now that Simon and Aleni have stated their intentions to each other, I have something special to ask you to declare, and in reply I’d like you to shout an almighty, WE DO!Do you give your support to Aleni and Simon in their quest for love and happiness?
All:We do!

Wow! There is a whole lot of love in this room. This is great, because now we come to one of the most beautiful parts of the ceremony, the vows. I invite Simon to share his promises to Aleni.

Simon: To my new bride. I have come here today with an open and happy heart, an open mind, and a positive attitude for sharing my life with you. [The rest is private]

Aleni: Standing here today, takes courage, strength, faith…and a pinch of crazy. I do not know what the next days, weeks or years hold for us, but I want you to know that I have our best interest at heart. [The rest is private]

Aleni and Simon, there is no greater happiness than that of sharing life with all its joys, and its cares, as a loving couple. I invite you to exchange and receive rings as a visible sign of your commitment to each other.

Aleni, please place the ring on Simon’s third finger of his left hand, and repeat after me: Simon, I give you this ring as a symbol of my commitment to you.

Simon, please place the ring on Aleni’s third finger of her left hand, and repeat after me: Aleni, I give you this ring as a symbol of my commitment to you.

Family and friends, this beautiful couple have declared their commitment to each other through the exchange of vows and the giving of rings, so everyone, get ready to make some noise as we congratulate Aleni and Simon.